As autumn fades and we place the last apples in the bins, there’s a quiet but steady rhythm that takes over our farm. Before the first frost, our crew turns its attention from harvest to preparation, readying the orchard for its long winter rest. Around Chelan Ranch, we call this “putting the orchard to bed.”

The Season Of Golden Light

The mornings at Chelan Ranch start softly a hush over Lake Chelan, the mist lifting from the water as the sun turns the hillsides gold. You can smell apples in the air, cool and sweet, mingled with a hint of wood smoke and earth.

The Secret Behind Chelan’s Exceptional Fruit

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the deep blue waters of Lake Chelan, our orchards thrive in one of Washington State’s most unique agricultural environments. This region’s microclimate—a precise balance of temperature, sunlight, and elevation—produces fruit with extraordinary flavor, color, and crunch.

October Belongs to Apples

When crisp autumn air arrives in Washington, apple orchards come alive with color and fragrance. October isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s the height of apple season. At Chelan Ranch Organics, we believe this is the best time to enjoy Washington apples at their peak: bursting with juice, vibrant in flavor, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re stocking up at a local farmers market, planning a U-Pick outing, or sending organic apples as a thoughtful gift, October is the moment to buy.

There’s something magical about wandering through rows of apple trees, reaching up to pluck a crisp, sun-warmed apple straight from the branch. U-Pick apples in Chelan are more than just a seasonal activity—they’re a chance to connect with the land, taste fruit at its peak, and make memories with family and friends. But if you want the very best apples, knowing when and how to pick them makes all the difference.

When you bite into a crisp organic apple from Chelan Ranch, you’re getting more than just juicy sweetness—you’re fueling your body with natural fiber. But have you ever wondered where the fiber in an apple is found? The answer might surprise you and could even change the way you eat this everyday fruit.

Fresh Fruit That Tastes Like Summer

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crisp, juicy apple on a warm late-summer day. At Chelan Ranch, this is the season when our Sweetango apples are at their peak — bursting with flavor, fragrance, and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. But behind every delicious apple is a story of careful tending. Late summer is a challenging time in the orchard, as pests are active, heat stress builds, and the soil can become exhausted.